No. 109: UTSA Roadrunners

UTSA Spring Status

The Roadrunners got hosed last season, going 6-5 but not getting a bowl invite. The defensive was amazing, the offense non-existent, and overall results weren’t all that bad.

Head man Frank Wilson has recruited as well as anyone in Conference USA, the fan base is there, and there are just enough good prospects to hope for even more – if the offseason is fantastic.

The offense loses just about everyone, and while the defense is fine, it doesn’t have future NFL starter Marcus Davenport anymore. It’s a rebuilding year, but that doesn’t mean there has to be a step back.

UTSA Biggest Depth Chart Battle

Quarterback. Dalton Sturm might not have always been the most dynamic of playmakers, but he was a steady quarterback who managed to minimize mistakes. That was enough for a team with this defense. Bryce Rivers got in a little time as a freshman – throwing two picks – and now he’ll get the first look in spring ball.

But with a few nice prospects coming in – primarily baller Cordale Grundy – the gig is open. There are going to be five options, and they’ll all get an equal shot.

UTSA Biggest Issue

Scoring. The O simply couldn’t put the biscuit in the basket over the finishing kick, scoring a grand total of 41 points over the final four games and fewer than ten in three of those. The problem? The line struggled in pass protection and giving the running game anywhere to go. And now, just two starters are back.

UTSA Biggest Positive

The secondary should be terrific again. The Roadrunners allowed fewer than 200 yards in five of the final six games, and gave up just 13 touchdowns in all with 13 picks. The corners have to be replaced, but safeties CJ Levine and Carl Austin should form one of the best tandems in the conference.

Really, Why Are The UTSA Roadrunners Ranked Here?

They lose way, way too much. Four of the top six tacklers are done, and there’s no replacing Davenport at one end. Even so the defense should be okay. The offense … uh oh.

It wasn’t any good late last year, and now it has replace Sturm under center, RB Tyrell Clay, the top three receivers and the right side of the line. The Roadrunners should be solid again, but there’s a lot of work to do. A lot.